Loose Cannon Definition

noun
One that is uncontrolled and therefore poses danger.
American Heritage
A careless, uncontrollable person whose words or actions cause embarrassment or harm to others.
Webster's New World

(nautical) A cannon that breaks loose from its moorings on a ship during battle or storm, which has the potential to cause serious damage to the ship and its crew.

Wiktionary
verb
(idiomatic) To behave in a way such as to cause damage to one's own faction, political party etc.
Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Loose Cannon

Noun

Singular:
loose cannon
Plural:
loose-cannons

Origin of Loose Cannon

  • From the threat posed by loose cannon rolling about a warship under sail

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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loose cannon